Al Ittihad want Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans | OneFootball

Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad have placed Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans at the top of their transfer wishlist this summer, according to Sky Sports Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

The Villa star is happy at the Midlands club as manager Unai Emery wants to hold on to him, but the club could be open to a sale if a juicy bid is tabled.

Villa have shown that they do not need to sell players for profit and sustainability purposes having not sold any on the eve of the 2024-25 season, which officially closed on June 30.

However, they may need to make sales before making major recruitment in the coming weeks, and Tielemans could be available for sale should the billionaire-owned Al Ittihad table a convincing bid.

The 28-year-old featured in 53 games across all competitions for the Villans last season, weighing in with five goals and ten assists, emerging as Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season, and selling such a player should be the last thing on their mind.

Tielemans is out of contract in 2027 and this summer is the best time to sell him and make a huge profit having got him as a free agent in 2023.

However, they cannot afford to lose such a player as they look to impress in the Premier League and Europe next term, and fans will be gutted to see him leave.

Villa have signed veteran Dutch goalkeeper Marco Bizot from Brest and 19-year-old duo – Dutch striker Zepiqueno Redmond and Turkish defender Yasin Ozcan – have also joined them, but more signings are needed and they also cannot afford to lose a player like Tielemans.

He deserves an improved contract following his impressive performances over the last two seasons, and he will be looking forward to playing another crucial role for them across all competitions next season.